Campus Security - Disruptive
Person, Workplace Violence

When confronted with a problem person:

Get
assistance from a colleague and call 911 and then call Campus Security at Ext.
3310 if there is any doubt about your personal safety or the safety of those
around you. If the person verbalizes or engages in physical violence, have
someone call 911 immediately.

Be calm and
polite but firm. Maintain on outward appearance of composure. This helps to
defuse tension.

Separate
the person from others but remain in the public eye. Get help from other staff.
Do not take the person or allow yourself to be taken to a private area.

Be aware of
your surroundings. Do not let the person put you into a corner or others
position from which you can’t flee. Keep the person at least a leg-length away
so they can’t reach you.

Be
realistic and know your own ability to protect yourself

Evaluate
the situation and think carefully before responding

Try to
remain attentive, concerned, and avoid using a tone of voice which is loud,
condescending, or moralistic. Empathize with the person and acknowledge their
feelings.

Listen
carefully for clues as to the person’s motivation and likely causes of behavior